Hichilema offers 100,000 pairs of glasses to Zambians
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Zambian Observer
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has procured 100,000 pairs of glasses for people who cannot afford them, under the HH Vision 100,000 programme. The initiative targets pupils, families, older people and military personnel, among others, according to Hichilema.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has procured 100,000 pairs of glasses for Zambians who cannot afford them, under the HH Vision 100,000 programme, reports the Zambian Observer. The initiative is intended to expand access to eye care across the country.
Speaking by videoconference to the annual conference of the Zambia Ophthalmological Society in Lusaka, the head of state said more than six million Zambians need glasses: one in five schoolchildren struggles to read the blackboard and one in three adults has poor vision. “Sight is freedom, sight is productivity,” said Hakainde Hichilema, who presents the initiative not as charity but as a matter of social justice.
The programme targets pupils, families, older people, military personnel, people with albinism and other vulnerable groups. Schoolchildren and military personnel are among the first beneficiaries: tests have already been carried out in recent months at New Jack Secondary School in Chawama, Kabanana Secondary School in Mandevu and Chitanda Secondary School in Matero, as well as at Mikango barracks, Mount Eugenia and in the Shimabala area. The President invited anyone suffering from vision problems to visit their nearest health centre, where glasses will be provided free of charge to those who cannot pay.
